Being a Nanny

Working with parents

Being a nanny is a delicate balance between employee and friend. Each nanny-family pair finds what works for them over time but bumps in the road, often related to employment rights and employer responsibilities, can throw the whole relationship off balance. A professional attitude when dealing with parents can make all the difference.

Employment Status & Rights for Nannies

It is important to correctly determine your employment status. Putting pressure on someone to be self-employed when they should be employed is illegal. Employers who do this face fines and/or criminal proceedings. Most nannies are employees and are protected by employment law. Our information is based on the law in England and Wales, but where Scottish or Northern Irish law have major differences we try to point this out.

Safeguarding as a Nanny

All childcare professionals, including nannies, have a responsibility to safeguard children and young people. This means both those in their care and those they come into contact with. It is vital to know the signs of abuse and know when children and young people are at risk of harm so you can act to protect them.

Registered nannies have to know about local child protection procedures and have general knowledge of safeguarding. We strongly recommend that all nannies regularly refresh their training.

Developing as a Nanny

This section focuses on opportunities for continuing professional development and how nannies can learn and develop while employed or seeking work. It also has a brief overview of roles related to nannying such as maternity nurse, nanny/PA and governess, and suggests ways to keep in touch with the wider childcare workforce for a smooth transition to other career paths within childcare.